Governor DeWine has appointed Brigadier General Matthew S. Woodruff to serve as Ohio’s next adjutant general.
Woodruff currently serves as the Ohio National Guard’s assistant adjutant general for Army and commanding general of the Ohio National Guard.
He will assume the role of adjutant general upon the retirement of Major General John C. Harris, Jr.
“Brigadier General Woodruff is uniquely qualified to take on the duties and responsibilities of the adjutant general,” said Governor DeWine. “His experience and leadership skills will strengthen the Ohio National Guard’s mission to be always ready, always there.”
Woodruff grew up in West Liberty, Ohio, in Logan County.
He began his military career in May of 1990 when he enlisted as a medical specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves.
He received his commission as an infantry officer from Bowling Green State University in 1996.
Woodruff has served in key staff positions such as chief of staff, director of personnel, and deputy director of domestic operations for the Ohio Army National Guard.
“Coming from a town of less than 2,000 people and now having the responsibility of around 16,000 people is unbelievable,” Woodruff said. “I am humbled to be selected by Gov. DeWine to serve this great state and our military.
“To be able to walk away each day knowing I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of Ohio citizens is rewarding. Whether it was providing them food at food banks, security at different locations, or providing assistance at hospitals and care centers, our soldiers, airmen, and Ohio Military Reserve were everywhere across the state, making a difference. There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.”
Currently serving as the assistant adjutant general for the Army and commanding general of the Ohio Army National Guard, Woodruff will begin his new role following Maj. Gen. John Harris Jr.’s retirement on May 31.
His command assignments include: Commander, B Company, 801st Main Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Commander, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard, Walbridge, Ohio; Commander, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Ohio Army National Guard, Columbus, Ohio; the initial Joint Task Force commander for Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Dual Status Commander for hospital response missions to COVID-19.
Woodruff served on active duty from May 1996 until December 2008.
He served as a platoon leader and company executive officer in the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, and in the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
His deployed assignments include Third Army, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Ohio Army National Guard, to Afghanistan.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Science in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
